FOCUS AREAS

In 2006, Flathead Land Trust completed a conservation plan that identified three priority areas for the next five years:

• The River to Lake Initiative is our primary focus and encompasses a project area including the main stem of Flathead River and north shore of Flathead Lake.  This area has been identified as critical in terms of water quality, wildlife habitat, farmland and general rural character.  For more information, visit the River to Lake Initiative website.
  
  
• With a number of conservation easements already in place, our second priority area is those areas where some conservation has already been done.  This is the concept of creating “easement neighborhoods” in order to have a greater impact.
  
  
• Flathead Land Trust is here to provide a service to community members within the Flathead Valley and beyond.  We would like to continue to be available to assist with conservation projects of importance to local communities including trails and other recreational access. 

Our priority landscapes include the following:

Wetlands and Riparian Areas
A major emphasis of FLT is land adjoining the Flathead River, its major tributaries and associated slough and other wetland complexes, which are critical lands for both water quality and wildlife. We currently hold easements protecting substantial portions of the lands surrounding Weaver, McWennegar and Fennon Sloughs. We are actively seeking partnerships with willing landowners in these areas, other major wetland complexes, and along the main stem, North Fork and Middle Forks of the Flathead River.

Working Landscapes – Agricultural and Forest Lands
FLT works with farm families to assist them in passing on their legacy of land to the next generation. Working farmlands and forests are valuable for their contribution to the rural characteristics of the Valley. When funding sources are available, development rights can sometimes be purchased, allowing the family farm to remain in production.

Wildlife Habitat
The Basin contains remarkably pristine and diverse communities of plants and animals, including over 300 species of aquatic insects, 22 native and introduced species of fish, as well as the full complement of large carnivores (wolves, grizzly bears, mountain lions) found at the time of European settlement. It is also a continentally important bird migration corridor.  Our hope is to protect the critical wildlife habitat to ensure that these populations continue to thrive.

Access to Public Lands
Some of our most heavily used access points to public lands by the local populace involve crossing adjacent private lands open to the public. As these lands change hands, these access points are compromised, or even disappear entirely. FLT is working to keep these lands in open space and continue to help provide amble open space to community members.

Scenic Views
There are spectacular views in every direction from the Valley floor. Unfortunately, some of these views are being compromised by residential development. FLT is working to protect some of the most scenic views that help define our Valley.